A PHYSICAL LITERACY UPRISING  #Banff2015

National Health and Physical Education Conference

April 30-May 2, 2015

Why should you come to Banff for the 2015 Health and Physical Education Council (Alberta) and Physical and Health Education Canada National Conference? Well…

I could tell you about the amazing location (just look to the right).

I could tell you about the long hours and hard work the Steering Committee has put in to make your experience at #Banff2015 second to none.

I could tell you how important our theme of PHYSICAL LITERACY is and why you should come and learn all you can.

I could tell you how inspiring and informative our keynote sessions by Dr. Kathleen Armour, Dr. Yoni Freedhof and Dr. Nancy Melnychuk will be.

I could tell you about the incredible variety of sessions facilitated by leaders in the field from across Canada and beyond (even Australia and Ireland!).

I could tell you about the incredible social events on Thursday night, Friday night (including a National Dance-OFF!) AND Saturday night.

But I won’t.

Nope. You can get all that from the conference website.

What I want to do is tell you a story of how you might maximize your #Banff2015 experience and leave the conference a richer human being.

Slow fade to black as I take you back (way back) to the beginning of my final year of undergraduate education… After a summer of working hard and playing harder I did a lot of thinking as I made the long drive out to campus. I was mulling over how I wanted to spend my senior year. Would I do the same things? Try some new stuff? The upshot was, I made a conscious decision (shouted out loud on the Coquihalla Highway) to take risks and be open to the opportunities they created. I had the BEST year. Here are some examples:

The woman in the apartment across the hall was the editor of the campus paper. She was bemoaning the fact that she did not have a sports editor. Because I am a sporty guy, she asked me if I knew anyone who could do it. Given my new philosophy, I said, “Yes. Me!” Presto – the “Strapped Jock” editorials were born. Risk taken. Opportunity accepted.

As part of my decision, I resolved to introduce myself to interesting people who I might meet around campus – the gym, weight room, cafeteria, classes, wherever. I had fabulous conversations, made many new friends, had unique experiences and even (finally) got a few dates! Risk taken. Opportunities accepted (I even asked a girl out after a final exam… Like, right after. I mean, I waited in the hall until she came out an hour later).

I know. You are trying to figure out what the heck my college dating life and experience as sports editor could possibly have to do with #Banff2015. Good question! Simply this. Give my senior year strategy a try and take a risk (or 4) at the conference. Then, be open to the opportunities those risks provide.

Make an effort to get outside your normal group of conference buddies – invite others to move with you and go and move with others.

Try a brand new activity to bring back to your students. Preferably, one that makes you slightly uncomfortable.

Introduce yourself to 15 people you have never met before. Partner with them during sessions. Follow them on Twitter. Exchange emails and teaching ideas.

Meet at least 6 people from outside your home province and dance with them on Thursday night. Find them again on Friday night and do it again.

Come to #Banff2015.

Take risks. Be open. Enjoy (the conference and the gratuitous Banff shot below).